LOCAL Q&A 11/29: Meredith Cummings

By Kaitlan CollinsSpecial to Tusk

Friday

Nov 29, 2013 at 1:00 PMNov 29, 2013 at 1:07 PM

Meredith Cummings teaches journalism, leads a nonprofit and freelances. She talked with Tusk this week about how the University of Alabama’s wellspring is one of her favorite aspects of the area, and urging her students to find a cause to support.

Meredith Cummings teaches journalism, leads a nonprofit and freelances. She talked with Tusk this week about how the University of Alabama’s wellspring is one of her favorite aspects of the area, and urging her students to find a cause to support.

Q:Who are you? What do you do?

A:Meredith Cummings. I am an instructor of journalism at UA, and also direct a nationwide nonprofit, the National Elementary Schools Press Association, as well as the Alabama Scholastic Press Association, a statewide nonprofit. I am also a freelance journalist.

Q:Where are you from? What brought you to or keeps you in Tuscaloosa?

A:I am from Birmingham, but have moved about 13 times in my career and have lived in Tuscaloosa three times. Tuscaloosa is home. I have lived here longer than anywhere else. I love UA, the Black Warrior River, crickets chirping and the smell of pine trees. I love the South.

Q:What do you tell people or friends who’ve never been here about living in Tuscaloosa?

A:The weather is beautiful, the pace is slower than most places (which you either love or it drives you nuts) and we have the best football on the planet. Roll Tide.

Q:Where are the top places you take visitors and why?

A:I love Capitol Park. I think it’s overlooked by visitors. The fact that we let our kids climb and play on history is pretty unusual and fun.

Marr’s Spring has always been one of my favorite places on campus. I love the idea that the entire University hinged on the body of water produced by the spring, then owned by William Marr. It’s a beautiful place. But, hands down, my favorite place has always been the UA Quad. I’ve even inquired about being buried there. The answer was no.

Q:What are your favorite places to eat? What do you order or suggest ordering?

A:Anything at Ruan Thai. I love supporting local business. Also, Peterbrooke Chocolatier for something for dessert.

Q:What are some of the best hangout locations around town?

A:You really should be asking my students that, not me! But the next place I will try is the Black Warrior Brewing Company. I’m really excited about that opening.

Q:What thing(s) do you think Tuscaloosa needs or needs more of and why?

A:Local, quirky bookstores. A Ben and Jerry’s and Cheesecake Factory. A skate park, a dog park and a splash park. More green space with built-in activities. Better sign ordinances.

Q:How do you urge people to get more involved around town?

A:I encourage my students to find a cause they support and locate a student group that supports that cause. There are so many great groups on the University of Alabama campus, and at Shelton State Community College and Stillman that support worthwhile causes.

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